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Potato Weekly - 22 May 2020

Friday, 22 May 2020

At a glance

Free-buy trade has mostly been pretty steady for most. The chipping and processing sectors are generally reporting high volume of supply not being met by demand.

Frost damage from last week is coming to light, with many crops reported to be pushed back 1-2 weeks in development. Frost is likely to have had some effect on yields of early crops, but at this stage it is hard to judge by how much.

Lifting of new crop seems to be going well, although for some conditions are too dry.

Chipping and processing material is still making its way onto the packing market where skin finish and MRL’s allow.

Prices for top quality material are still holding firm, despite the demand easing to a more consistent level.

Demand for good quality M Piper remains strong.

Bags

The bag trade seems to have reached a plateau. Demand is reported as unchanged on the week.

There are increasing reports of more chip shops opening, although many are running reduced hours to make it economically viable.

As more chip shops open, the take-out demand is shared. The reopening of other take-out’s in the forthcoming weeks could disperse consumer demand.

For demand to grow, there is a need for coastal trade to kick start. Currently demand is subdued there due to lockdown measures, when this weather would usually bring plentiful trade for seaside regions.

Processing

Although there is some demand for free-buy peeling material this week, much of the processing trade remains under contract at present.

The slow reopening of parts of the food service industry could support some increased movement of processing stocks. However, the high volume of stocks still in grower ownership at the end of March, coupled with a complete lack of demand throughout April and only marginal increases in demand through May, will continue to pressure the market.

Opening of more take-out options may assist in movement of processing material, but could reduce demand from chip shops as consumers gain more choice.

Exports

A range of material has been moving to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

24 April 2020

17 April 2020

• The continued good weather has meant that growers have been able to continue planting with many regions in the South over half way complete. While processing and bag sectors may face an area contraction due to ongoing pressures, the packing sector may see more support.

3 April 2020

27 March 2020

Anecdotal reports suggest that retail demand has started to lessen this week following the nationwide “lockdown” since Monday night. This has been suggested to be due to a reduction in panic buying as supermarkets introduce limits on purchasing.

20 March 2020

Panic buying linked to the coronavirus has boosted retail demand for fresh potatoes and frozen products this week. Meanwhile, sales into foodservice have dried up as the public moves away from restaurants and public spaces.

6 March 2020

The potato trade this week continues to be reportedly quiet, with many repeat orders noted. Demand for top quality supplies also continues, though large supplies are difficult to source for the right price. Plenty of recently lifted supplies are seen on the market.

14 February 2020

7 February 2020

Better weather this week has allowed for lifting and fieldwork to continue where growers can get on the land. What has been lifted over the past few weeks is being moved quickly to avoid storage issues.